Calcasieu Parish Health Unit Holds Flu Vaccination Clinic

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

February 21, 2011

If you haven't gotten your flu shot, it's not too late. Louisiana's flu activity remains widespread and very high. Flu symptoms accounted for 15 percent of the state's doctor visits last week. The Louisiana Department of Health wants to help protect you and your family from the flu. LDH is offering flu vaccinations to everyone Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Calcasieu Parish Health Unit

3236 Kirkman St.

Lake Charles, LA

(337) 478-6020

Friday, February 25, 2011, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

No appointment necessary

A flat fee of $10 will be charged for patients who fall into a fee-paying category, but services will not be denied due to inability to pay. Medicaid or Medicare participants must bring their insurance card to cover the cost. Parents are also asked to bring their child's vaccination records.

This year, the CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get the flu vaccine. This year's flu vaccine will protect against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. Medical studies show getting the flu vaccine has proven to be very safe and effective in preventing people from catching the flu.

While everyone should get a flu vaccine, vaccination is especially critical for certain groups of people who are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Those groups include:

Children younger than 5, especially children younger than 2 years old

Adults 65 and older

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

American Indians and Alaskan Natives, who appeared to be at higher risk of flu complications last flu season

People who have a weakened immune system or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease

"Vaccination is also important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for high-risk individuals to keep from spreading flu to people who may be especially susceptible to the virus' effects. This includes anyone who works with babies younger than 6 months of age, who are not eligible for the vaccine themselves," said Dr. Frank Welch, LDH Immunization Medical Director. "This year's vaccine is plentiful and available at many places, including health care providers, pharmacies, some employers and Louisiana's parish health units."

In addition to getting the vaccine, LDH encourages the public to take other preventive actions to stop the spread of the flu:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

While sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other measures to keep our distance from each other to lessen the spread of flu.